This quarter has been filled with milestones.
From a young student taking his first steps back into education, to graduates preparing for university, to students building the skills they will need for their future careers, we are seeing the impact of protection, education and empowerment in action.
Here are a few highlights from the past three months.
Celebrating important milestones
One of our youngest students recently graduated from nursery school. It was a particularly meaningful celebration because his journey began in a very difficult place. He came into UTSS care when safety concerns had prevented him from attending school. Today, he is moving forward with his education and building a safer, brighter future.
We also celebrated a student graduating from Form Four. With her parents and relatives unable to attend, our team stood in for her family and celebrated this important achievement alongside her.
Strong results and new opportunities
We were thrilled to see the results of this year’s Form Six national examinations. Every one of our graduating students earned grades that qualify them for university or college.
Five students achieved Division One, the highest level of performance, while two earned Division Two and one earned Division Three.
Following their graduation, 14 students were successfully selected for different universities and colleges. Our team also visited 13 students in examination classes for mentorship sessions, encouraging them to stay focused, work hard and prepare well for their exams.
Preparing students for the next chapter
For students heading into post-secondary education, preparation is about much more than academics.
This quarter, 12 incoming college and university students received brand-new Lenovo laptops, complete with laptop bags, flash drives and essential software. They also completed four weeks of basic computer training facilitated by St. Augustine University in Mwanza.
The students took part in pre-college training as well, helping them prepare for the greater independence that comes with post-secondary life. After years of living in a structured and supported environment, they are preparing to navigate a world that requires much more self-direction.
For the first time, we also delivered our health behaviour training online, reaching 31 college and university students through Zoom. Despite challenges with internet connectivity, the training was successfully completed and provided an important opportunity to continue supporting students remotely.
Our Academic Unit also conducted field visits with students completing practical placements, checking on their progress, connecting with supervisors and helping address any challenges along the way.
Preparing for careers
We are also looking ahead to what comes after graduation.
With 20 students expected to graduate from colleges and universities next year, our team reached out to approximately 18 companies and organizations this quarter to explore job and internship opportunities. These conversations are already opening the door to potential opportunities for our graduates.
We also held an Employability Skills training session for 22 second-year university students. They explored everything from teamwork, leadership and interpersonal relationships to CV and cover letter writing, career decision-making, self-branding and the ethical use of AI.
The goal is simple: help students enter the workforce with not only an education, but the confidence and practical skills to succeed.
Supporting students beyond the classroom
Education is only one part of helping students thrive.
This quarter, 26 students from the Lake Zone attended their six-month skin checkups. One student required a minor surgery, which was successfully completed. Every student who attended received enough sunscreen to help protect their skin between appointments.
We also ensured that every student who had been prescribed spectacles received a pair.
And there was a special reason to celebrate one of our students, Mariam Khatib. At the Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 pageant, Mariam was awarded the title of Miss Congeniality, voted for by her fellow contestants as the most friendly, supportive and approachable participant.
For Mariam, this recognition represents more than a pageant title. It reflects the confidence, communication skills, personal branding and relationships she has built, all of which will serve her well as she prepares for graduation and her professional future.
Building stronger connections
For the first time, our team also held an online meeting with parents of our grantees living in Dar es Salaam and surrounding regions. It was a new experience for everyone, but the meeting was a success and provided an important opportunity to connect with families and strengthen communication.
The team plans to continue this work with parents in the Lake Zone in the coming quarter.
One student at a time, one milestone at a time
These moments may look different from one student to another, but they all point toward the same goal: creating the safety, support and opportunities students with albinism need to build lives of possibility.
A graduation ceremony. A university acceptance. A laptop. A first internship. A pair of glasses. A successful skin checkup. The confidence to step into a new environment and know you belong there.
Thank you for helping make these milestones possible.
Because when you support UTSS, you are not simply helping a student get through school. You are helping create the foundation for a safer, more confident and more independent future.
